Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X4 N970

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X4 N970 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-720QM

4 / 8

1,658

+0.7%

1,647

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X4 N970 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X4 N970: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 N970 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2150% higher power demand at 45W vs 2W.

Phenom II X4 N970

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 45W, a 43W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,647 vs 1,658).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-720QM better than Phenom II X4 N970?

Yes. Core i7-720QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-720QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 32 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-720QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $364 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Phenom II X4 N970 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-720QM vs Phenom II X4 N970 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-720QM

The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.

Phenom II X4 N970

The Phenom II X4 N970 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Phenom II X4 N970's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 N970 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM. The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X4 N970 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the Phenom II X4 N970's 1,647 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-720QM.

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Phenom II X4 N970
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+27%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,658	1,647

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 N970 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.